Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorised direct talks with Lebanon, focusing on disarming Hezbollah and improving ties. He also warned of Iran’s growing missile capabilities after recent strikes, highlighting rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File pic
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible."
As per news agency AP, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he gave the order in response to requests from Lebanon and that talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the neighbouring countries.
Netanyahu also welcomed a call by Lebanon's prime minister to demilitarise Beirut. There was no immediate response from Lebanon.
Netanyahu visits site of Iranian missile attack
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the recent missile attacks on Diego Garcia show that Iran has the capacity to reach deep into Europe and poses a danger to the entire world.
Netanyahu was visiting the southern Israeli city of Arad, which faced Iranian missile strikes on Saturday evening, when he also said his country and the US are fighting together on behalf of everyone, reported PTI.
"If you want proof that Iran endangers the entire world, the last 48 hours have given it. In the last 48 hours, Iran targeted a civilian area. They're using that as a mass murder weapon.”
Netanyahu warns Iran can hit deep into Europe after Diego Garcia strike
According to PTI, pointing out that Iran fired an intercontinental ballistic missile on Diego Garcia, Netanyahu said, "That's 4,000 kilometres. I've been warning all the time. They now have the capacity to reach deep into Europe. They have already fired on European countries -- Cyprus. They are putting everyone in their sights."
For the past two decades, Israel has been referring to the Iranian ballistic missile programme, arguing that such weapons with nuclear capabilities would pose a grave threat not only to itself but also to Europe.
Iran fired missiles at the UK-US air base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on Saturday.
The Israeli prime minister also drew attention to Iran's attack on Jerusalem right next to the holy sites of the three monotheistic faiths, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al Aqsa Mosque, and said, "By dint of a miracle, again, no one was hurt," reported PTI.
(With inputs from AP and PTI)
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